Kohima, Jan 18 (MExN): Phek town today erupted in anger as a 10,000-strong mob marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to express resentment against the presence of underground cadres. The crowd was about to vandalize government offices and even vehicles, but were pacified only after the assurance of the DC that the cadres would be told to move out.
Sources said residents of Phek town have been living in constant fear for the past 8-9 days. Both the NSCN (I-M) and the FGN are looking for a showdown. However, the public has prevented them from doing so thus far.
At the time of filing this report, the district administration and the police were putting in their best efforts to lead the cadres out of the town by using public announcement systems, with the caution that force would be employed if the warning was not paid heed to. It is not yet known if the cadres have left.
NSCN (I-M) cadres are reported to be positioned at Zion Colony, Bible Hill and New Colony while the FGN are in control of the rest of the town. Cadres of both organizations have been threatening each other although they have not yet attacked each other’s ‘territories.’
Meanwhile, CPO Vice-President, Shivotso, said that although they are using the same yardstick to deal with the different underground groups, violence will not bring any solution. He echoed the CPO’s concern that use of military force cannot bring peace. He further said that killings should not take place while in the bid for territorial expansion. All killings between NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) or FGN should be stopped, he said, and added that they were asking underground groups to shun violence and engage in dialogue at the highest level, i.e. at the Kilonser level.
The people of Phek Town are also angry with the Government of India, the State Government and other law-enforcing agencies for not being able to contain the law and order situation in the district, arising out of factional clashes. The mob may just be forced to take the law in their hands.
